Gratitude for veterans expressed with quilts

"As icons of Americana go, few are as immediately and deeply recognizable as a quilt," begins a Southeast Missourian article written by Marybeth Niederkorn. It's true. Quilts are almost as American as apple pie, and many of us have grown up with them in our homes or have seen them displayed in our grandparents' homes. They have become staples in our culture and often come with a heartwarming story. This is why the Quilts of Valor Foundation is a fitting way to celebrate the most Americana among us -- our veterans.

"We want to honor the veterans for their service to our country, and to ourselves, and a quilt is so meaningful, so personal," Mary Green of the River Heritage Quilt Guild in Cape Girardeau said. A member of the guild may nominate a veteran to receive a quilt, which is presented to the honorees at a ceremony attended by the honorees and their family members.

The local chapter began in 2013, and since then, it has presented 19 veterans with quilts.

One thing that makes the quilts special is that time and love have gone into each one. The quilts are not random material bought and paid for, picked up at some business. No, these have been sewn with our American heroes in mind. In some cases, many hands have been involved in the creation of just one quilt, with various guild members donating a block. In other cases, the member who has nominated a particular veteran makes that entire quilt.

The expression of gratitude is minuscule in comparison to the service veterans have provided us, but it means much to them. It lets them know they are not forgotten -- that their service will never be forgotten. "They're overwhelmed. Their hearts are filled. The respect they're given by being honored with this quilt, they just love it," Green said.

"Touching" and "heartfelt" are just two words used to describe the effect the quilts have on the veterans. This alone makes it worthwhile. We support every effort to both put a smile on the faces of the men and women who defend our liberties and touch their hearts.